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Church World Service Urges Senate to Develop Compassionate Immigration Reform

March 20, 2006

WASHINGTON -- U.S.-headquartered humanitarian and refugee assistance agency Church World Service has requested that the Senate develop compassionate comprehensive immigration reform that will permit faith-based and humanitarian agencies to continue responding to persons in need by offering hospitality and sanctuary, without regard to an individual's immigration status.

In a statement issued today to members of the Senate and as its official stance on comprehensive immigration reform, Church World Service Executive Director Rev. John L. McCullough said, "We are alarmed at attempts to legislate compassion and stand with other faith bodies in expressing opposition to proposed legislation that would criminalize churches and their members who welcome and assist persons without proper immigration documents."

McCullough said "We are sorrowed by the movement of members of Congress now seeking to change current immigration laws in a manner that seriously limits the ability of faith-based and humanitarian organizations to assist people in need. CWS will advise and encourage faith-based organizations and all compassionate individuals to continue to extend the hand of hospitality, welcome and sanctuary to all in need without questioning their immigration status and without considering pending legislation."

CWS has worked with the U.S. Department of State for six decades as one of the nine voluntary agencies designated by State to resettle refugees within this country. During that time it has actively advocated for fair treatment of all immigrants. McCullough called for the government to work with humanitarian and faith-based refugee agencies to reaffirm a shared history of offering "the hope of freedom and justice to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, through the development of compassionate immigration reform."

CWS asks for Comprehensive Immigration Reform that will:

Provide an opportunity for undocumented immigrants, who are contributing to this country, to meet reasonable criteria and, over time, pursue a path to legalization and citizenship (Church World Service supports earned legalization not amnesty.)

Reform the U.S. family-based immigration system to significantly reduce waiting times for separated families who currently wait many years to be reunited

Create legal avenues for migrant workers and their families to enter the US and work in a safe, legal and orderly manner with their rights fully protected

Develop policies that are consistent with humanitarian values; treat all individuals with respect; allow the authorities to identify and prevent terrorists and dangerous criminals from entering the country, and bolster our national security through enhanced border security and effective enforcement

Protect individuals and organizations who act as Good Samaritans by offering help to persons in need without regard to their immigration status

Safeguard asylum seekers and assure them an opportunity to prove they deserve asylum

McCullough said many of Church World Service's own staff "arrived as immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers or migrants in this land." He tributed them with "helping to build the 60-year old global agency and helping to build this nation of immigrants."

New York-headquartered Church World Service is a relief, development, refugee assistance and human rights advocacy agency, supported in part by 35 denominations and working in collaboration with indigenous partners worldwide.

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